On Thursday, July 17, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and visiting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz jointly signed the “Kensington Treaty” to deepen cooperation between the two countries in areas such as defense, immigration, and economy. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) commented that this is the most important agreement signed by Britain and Germany since 1945.
After signing the treaty at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, Starmer stated in a press conference, “Our continent of Europe is facing significant challenges today, and we are determined to face them head-on.”
He said, “The Kensington Treaty… embodies our common goals and values. But more than that, it is a concrete plan listing 17 major projects that we will work together to achieve, improving people’s lives.”
The museum was co-founded by Queen Victoria of England and her German-born husband Prince Albert, symbolizing the cooperation between the two countries.
The two national leaders also revealed that they discussed a plan to send more weapons to Ukraine after former President Trump agreed to sell arms to NATO countries, including the Patriots needed urgently by Kyiv.
German Chancellor Merz stated that they discussed Ukraine’s need for long-range strike weapon systems, which he referred to as “long-range firepower.” He said, “Ukraine will soon receive significant additional support in this area.”
While touring the Airbus factory together, Merz pointed out, “We share a common determination to shape this— a new era where Britain and Germany will stand shoulder to shoulder in a new leadership posture.”
This was Merz’s first one-day visit to London as German Chancellor. Previously, French President Emmanuel Macron conducted a three-day state visit to the UK. This signals the three major European powers— Britain, France, and Germany— strengthening their cooperation in the face of threats in Europe and uncertainties about the future of American allies.
[End of the news report]